Hi Alec and
There are quite a few of us on here who take venlafaxine and there are lots of posts to read through which might give you some reassurance. None of the people I talk to has had any major side effects - just the usual ones you'd get with any SSRI.
For me, venlafaxine has been an enormous help and had really given me the clarity of mind to get things back on track. I have no regrets about taking it.
Join in on some active threads and ask any questions you want. You'd be more than welcome.
Take care
Pip